Living a Life to God's Glory

Articles

Doug Clark
02/16/16 - Christian Focus

Living a Life to God’s Glory

Everything we do directly reflects how we serve God. I continually stress the fact that to the world, we are walking sermons. Those around us know we are Christians and will hold us in judgment against God’s word. It is odd that they may never attend a worship service or even believe in the Bible, but they know what a Christian should and should not do. Therefore, everything we do directly reflects our service to God.

This places on us, the responsibility for living lives that glorify our Father in heaven. We do not need, as the Pharisees did, to worship God to be seen of men, but as Jesus did, obeying no matter what the cost (Matthew 23:5; Luke 22:42). Even the hypocrite recognizes other hypocrites. So the things we do need to be done to God’s glory and honor.

For example, can you mow your lawn in a manner that glorifies God? You may think that to do so, you would need to go into your yard and before all, give a loud prayer thanking God for the grass, your health, your ability to mow, and the earthly blessings (the lawn mower) God has bestowed on you so all your neighbors will see you as a Godly person. That would take only a minute or two, and your neighbors might see your dedication to the Lord. But what if you went out on a hot day, dressed in a swimsuit, (man or woman) with more flesh showing than the suit covered? What if the lawn mower dies and refuses to restart? Is there patience or cursing?

What would your neighbor think? Consider the Christian neighbor on the other side of his house who cuts the grass in decent-length shorts and a modest top. Can he see your commitment to God?

Sometimes we think that glorifying God is reserved for worship services. It is not! Jesus was obedient, not only on the cross, but during His entire life. He lived his whole life in a manner that would enable men to see the Father in Him. In John 5, Jesus spoke concerning the things that testify for Him. Jesus noted His equality with God in nature, power, and authority. He noted that John the Baptist bore witness that He was Christ. He continued, revealing that His works, the scriptures, and the Father Himself, witnessed for Him. Jesus’ life was committed to God, not just in word, but also in deed. Because of this, the scriptures revealed him to be the Christ. When we obey God, the scriptures reveal to others that we are Christians.

Ladies, you glorify God every time you dress for work in modest apparel. Men, you glorify God every time you refuse to go out with the guys on a drinking binge. Consider glorifying God when you hit your thumb with a hammer. What would most of the world say? A mouth full of cuss words? What would a Christian say? Now, can you see that how you live, what you wear, what you say, and with whom you associate, all glorify God?

Paul said, "And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." {Colossians 3:17}

Can we glorify God on a daily basis? Can we make others scratch their heads when trials and temptations come our way and we obey God? Yes, we can, if we are willing to submit to God’s word. Behind every sin is a selfish will that is unwilling to obey God.

Our obedience comes down to our commitment to God. This commitment fills every aspect of our lives. Let us always remember what Jesus said while in great agony, "Nevertheless not my will, but thine be done." {Luke22:43} Paul also stated, "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." {Galatians 2:20} Peter showed his commitment by leaving all (Mark 10:28).

Jesus asks so little and offers so much. If you need to make your life right before God, do so while you have time and opportunity. Nothing is more important than where you will spend eternity. Without obedience there is no commitment (Hebrews 5:9).

By Doug Clark